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We Are The (NL Central) Champions!

CINCINNATI -- In 1984, I was in Pittsburgh with about 5,000 other Cub fans at Three Rivers Stadium when the Cubs clinched the NL East title by beating the Pirates 4-1.

In 1989, I didn't go to Montreal as it was far too expensive to find a flight there at the last minute, but once again the Cubs won the NL East on the field when Mitch Williams struck out Mike Fitzgerald to nail down a 3-2 win.

And in 1998 and in 2003, the Cubs won playoff spots (a wild card and NL Central title, respectively) in front of wildly cheering throngs at Wrigley Field.

So it was a little surreal to "experience" the Cubs winning the NL Central title last night with about 100 other Cub fans at the Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Cincinnati when Trevor Hoffman struck out Rickie Weeks in Milwaukee, eliminating the Brewers and nailing down the Cubs' fifth playoff spot in my lifetime, and third in the last ten seasons.

That makes this one different already. And so we begin the month of October, again, with hopes and dreams that this time, the postseason of 2007, will end differently than the disappointments and losses of 1984, 1989, 1998 and 2003. It has been a season of ups and downs -- I don't have to recap here in one post all of it, because all of us have experienced it here as one -- and not only that, but a final week of the same. Given the almost-finished collapse of the Mets, the gallant but apparently not-to-be miracle run of the Rockies, and the fact that the 90-loss Marlins have had a big say in who's going and not going to the postseason, I believe anything can and will happen in the next four weeks. There is no dominant team in the National League, and that gives this Cub team -- flawed as it is -- a real chance to advance to the World Series, just as the Cardinals wheezed into the playoffs a year ago and then blazed through to a World Championship.

We can dream NOW, can't we? I'm just glad the Cubs don't have to play the Marlins any more, because as badly as they looked playing Florida this past week, that's as good as they looked in shutting out the Reds 6-0, a combined eight-hitter by Carlos Zambrano, Bob Howry and Ryan Dempster.

Frankly, I was stunned to see Dempster in the ninth inning, given his well-known failures in non-save situations, but he had an efficient inning, giving up one hit but inducing a game-ending double play to finish with a 13-pitch, nine-strike appearance.

Carlos Zambrano looked like the Z of old -- walking only one, getting ground balls, and keeping the histrionics on the mound to a minimum in throwing seven shutout innings, in getting his 18th win of 2007, and dropping his season ERA to 3.95.

The crowd of 32,193 included at least 20,000 mostly blue-clad Cubs fans, myself included (I assume this because the night before against Houston, the Reds drew 13,626), and we were sent into a roaring frenzy with the first at-bat of the game, a home run by Alfonso Soriano (his sixth leadoff HR of September, setting a major league record for the most leadoff HR in any month). I don't know what it sounded like on television, but at the GABP, it sounded like a home game. That continued throughout, as the Cubs extended the lead in the second inning on a Ryan Theriot sac fly, and later on Derrek Lee's 22nd HR of the season in the fifth (and after a very slow start, D-Lee's power numbers look decent, not up to his 2005 season, but in line with his career prior to that year, with a much higher batting average). When Jacque Jones doubled in two more (missing a HR by only a couple of feet) in the 8th, we knew we'd be at least assured of a tiebreaker game in Chicago on Monday... so after Dempster nailed it down, we were off to watch the Brewers/Padres game at the Rock Bottom Brewery, and the cheering was just as loud there as I'm sure it was at the watering holes in Wrigleyville, or at your house.

A couple of quick notes about the GABP, which I'll try to walk around a little more extensively today (this is my first visit there, and the first time I've been in Cincinnati since Opening Day 1982, Ryne Sandberg's first game as a Cub). It's nice enough, but seems a bit "generic ballpark". From my seat in the LF corner of the lower deck, you can't really see out of the park -- the view of Kentucky across the Ohio River of which the broadcasters often speak is really only visible from the upper deck. The sightlines to the plate weren't bad -- except when people kept walking up and down the aisle to the right. From that angle, too, you can't see the out-of-town scoreboard on the LF wall, nor half of the main board above the LF seats. The best seats in the house, oddly enough, seem to be the RF "sun/moon deck" seats, which cost only $16 (although if you can get them, which I couldn't for this game, there are plenty of discounted ones available).

The Skyline chili was good, though -- among the best ballpark food I've had, although a little pricey at $9. The large-size $4.75 soft drink cup is a pretty good deal -- but don't try to put it in the cupholder in front of your seat; mine briefly got stuck in there before I gently pried it out.

And I am now the proud owner of one of the wackiest giveaways I've seen -- a Marty & Thom Brennaman bobblehead.

We can laugh and have fun at things like that now; today, likely, will be played like an exhibition game -- I imagine we'll see Sam Fuld, Felix Pie, Ronny Cedeno, and Mike Fontenot, among others, start. Rich Hill will, I imagine, be the starting pitcher anyway, as he'll be needed in the postseason and if he doesn't pitch today, that'd make two weeks in between starts. Tomorrow, you might see Sean Marshall or Sean Gallagher or Kevin Hart start, and the regulars should again all play, to tune up for Wednesday's playoff opener -- and it will be Wednesday barring a last-gasp comeback by the Mets or Rockies -- which now will be in either Arizona or San Diego, most likely Arizona.

And a brief note to the second-place Brewers, who ran a tough and gallant race: that's one tough offense you've got there; Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, J. J. Hardy -- these are great young hitters. The Brewers have a chance to contend and win for many years to come. Nevertheless, I'm glad you guys are sitting home this October!

Enjoy and revel in victory! There is, of course, much work yet to be done, but the first step has now been taken. Onward to October!!

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Best recap of the year Al,
So Far. Here is to 11 more positive recaps.
 Great to see all the Cub fans in the park last night, quite jealous I must say.
 Lets keep this thing rolling.

Go Cubs!

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Sep 29, 2007 7:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Love the sidebar cartoon
My wife and I love the sidebar "Cubbie". This is pretty much what we look like this am (without the alcohol haze).

Magic number: 0

Now we exhale.

Seems like we've been holding our collective breaths since the 8th inning of game 6 in '03...

 

by Zeke on Sep 29, 2007 7:40 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow
What a night, although I have to agree that the clinching moment (for me on a slingbox in my hotel room) was a tad anticlimactic.  I'll gladly take it.

Man, those skyline coney dogs are good.  Look forward to a little time to look around the ballpark today - I was too zoned in last night to notice very much.

Strap in for the ride.

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Sep 29, 2007 7:54 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm jealous.
I'm from Cincinnati, and I deeply miss Skyline coneys.

Go Cubbies!

by mistersite on Sep 29, 2007 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, out here on the other side of the world
on the west coast where there was a meaningless Mariners game being played, I was out to a Bryan Adams concert...
but we got to watch the Brewers lose at the bar we were at before we headed over to the show....

And probably the sweetest thing I saw all night was the look on Prince Fielder's face right after the game in the dugout as reality sunk in.

And I'm not one to revell in other people's down times 'cuz we all have 'em...

But MAN was that GREAT!    :-)

I knew and believed these Cubs would do it, and I was only off by a day as to when.

Here's to POST-SEASON FUN, my fellow Cubs fans!

"The decline of society is rampant...Cubs winning the WS in '07 will make everything right again."

by Bluelou on Sep 29, 2007 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well that was fun....incredible
Enjoy this.

I want some more!!!

6-01-2007 the Cubs begin to rise. They will never look back.

by Scott G F on Sep 29, 2007 7:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Onward to October !!
Very satisfying regular season, especially given our slow start in April and May.  Hopefully last night's celebration will be followed by 3 more.

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." -- Winston Churchill

Let's go win the NL pennant and take our chances in the World Series!!  The Cubs have as good a chance as any to emerge as NL Champs.  The D-Backs (our most likely NLDS opponent) are 14th in runs scored.  With some decent starts we can get past them to the NLCS ....

Cubs new "magic number":  11 wins to a World Championship.

by wrigley1 on Sep 29, 2007 8:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes yes!
11 wins left...Go Cubbies!
Chicks dig the long ball

by Will23 on Sep 29, 2007 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Skyline chili alternative
<< The Skyline chili was good, though -- among the best ballpark food I've had, although a little pricey at $9. >>

The Skyline stands also offer a "Coney dog" - a small hot dog in a  bun, covered with the unique Skyline chili and shredded cheese - and if I recall correctly from the July visit, they were around $3.  Two of those make a pretty satisfying meal.

by ChipSet on Sep 29, 2007 8:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The 2nd season begins !!!
Great post following a great game !!!

Thats the way to get going into the NLDS a solid win, great pitching, great hitting.

It was Great to watch the "LIFE" in that locker room last night.

11 games to go, 100 cases of champagne to POP.

Bring it home BOYS !!!

GO CUBS GO.

Wish I was in Chicago or CINNY with you all

by parrotinct on Sep 29, 2007 8:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What a great night
For some reason all day yesterday I felt like it was going to happen. Then I got to follow both games on XM while traveling back home to see my family (actually to help them move lol). Lou has been here before and hopefully that experience will help bring the elusive prize home that we have all been patiently waiting for. Go Cubs Go!
n/t

by LT on Sep 29, 2007 8:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A Thom Brennemann bobble head?
Sounds redundant
Iowa f****n' State???? Again?????

by tommy veryzer on Sep 29, 2007 8:12 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

LMAO
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fitting...I can recall each clinch
Each feeling is different. This one I was the most confident and surprised how many people had fretted and lost faith down the stretch. In '84 I think most Cub fans were naive and overly excited to simply make the playoffs after almost 40 years.
In '89 it was more a surprise that they actually did it with pitching from the Big Three.
In '98 it was just excitement down the stretch and winning the play in was a victory since the Cubs matched up the mighty Braves.
In '03 it was a rush, how they came back like this years Phillies to get in at the end.
This year is a grind, they are a good team, mentally tougher, more depth but not as spectacular....

The differences:
Soriano, his assist capability from left field where more hits are struck is a bigger deal than many think. Late in the game with the lead and Pie in CF makes the Cubs OF pretty potent.
Bullpen; Cubs actually have a strong bullpen now that Woody is emerging as fireman, Marmol, Wuertz are firemen, if Eyre continues as he has along with Howry in set up and Dempster in nail biting close this is big in situational baseball.
Solid infield defense (for the most part), but sure hands through out.
Offense, a good grinding team that can hit for power.

Piniella is a better game manager than Frey, Zimmer, Riggleman and Baker combined. Don't overlook Trammel's influence either.

Oh last night I had to watch the friggin Padres game as I had to attend a stupid going away party for one of my wife's work mates. It sucked....

Piniella: "Just go out, have some fun and enjoy this".

by Ivy Walls on Sep 29, 2007 8:15 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i love that bear up top!
 
Now that he is back, play Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Sep 29, 2007 8:16 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Time for the NyQuil stupor ....
Don't know how I get from today to Wednesday night ...

In 2003, I remember being in college and drinking NyQuil the night before playoff games and again when I woke up to sleep as long as I possibly could until the game started.  How's that for ridiculous?  I also quit my job that year so I didn't have to miss an inning down the stretch.

That said, what a year!  And what a pleasure it's been to enjoy everyone's company, cheers, and yes, disillusionment.  

Onward!  Another shot at history.

Tim

by ttagaris on Sep 29, 2007 8:18 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sports in Chicago
It's been quite a decade for Chicago sports fans, with the Cubs almost making it to the World Series in 2003, the Sox winning it all in 2005, the Bears going to the Super Bowl this year and now the Cubs getting another shot. Plus the Bulls have been competitive again.

Sure a major change from when I was growing up in the 1970s and early 1980s, when Chicago was a joke of a sports town, with all teams perrenial losers. I still remember in 1981, being told to get excited because the Sting had won the championship. "Chicago, you have a champion!" the Sting's announcer yelled on the radio. Yeah - right.

I hate to give the Sox any credit, but it was their title run in 1983 that sparked the renaissance in Chicago sports, followed by the Cubs in 1984 and the Bears in 1985. Then along came Michael Jordan, and suddenly, Chicago was a joke for sports no more. Jordan is long gone, but this remains a great sports town. Let's hope this is the year that the Cubs finally get their long-awaited championship.

"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Sep 29, 2007 8:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fodder for an autosig
"Chicago, you have a champion!" the Sting's announcer yelled on the radio.

That's classic.

"I don't know what I'm talking about, and I'm pretty sure you don't either." -David Letterman to Bill O'Reilly

by hipster17 on Sep 29, 2007 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll say it again
The Blackhawks owned Chicago for a glorious preiod of time, winning divisional titles in the mid 60s and early 70's.  They were defeated by the Montreal Canadians in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972. The late 70's and early 80's were somewhat flat, but later in that decade and into the early 90's, they featured some very good teams. The Blackhawks made their last appearance in the Stanley Cup Final the first year the Bulls went to the NBA Championship Finals. (The Penguins, led by the young Mario Lemieux. won the Cup)

It has all been downhill since. The franchise may be forgotten about now, but in that era, the Blackhawks were the only Chicago team that would finish with a winning record year after year, and would fill the house every night.

The Sting may have won a title, but -- nobody cared. And, I also listened to the game, and remember that line distinctly. It didn't feel like a championship. I attended 1 Sting game -- at Wrigley Field, during the '81 strike -- because I wanted to be at the ball park.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Sep 29, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well Said
The Black Hawks were the toughest ticket in town for about a 10-12 year period from the early 60's to the early 70's.  During that span, they only won one championship, but went into each season as a legitimate Stanley Cup contentder.  It was probably the longest streak of having winning teams in this city for a long time.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 29, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sting
I went to a game of theirs at Wrigley in 1982 or 1983. We all came out of the ballpark after it was over and agreed it was the most boring sports event we'd ever been to. I'll never understand what people see in soccer.
"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Sep 29, 2007 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is so great that the Cubs screwed Fox
by giving them a game that is now meaningless. You will have a bunch of happy and hung-over guys playing for fun. Of course they will rerun the Bartman play 20 times today just to get under our skin. I may have to pass on watching that silliness. But Fox must have been very confident in doing the scheduling that the Cubs would be the one team that would not have things wrapped up by Saturday...sorry Rupert!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 29, 2007 8:42 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fox...
... has two other meaningful games, Brewers/Padres (which has meaning for SD) and Phillies/Nationals, which will go (combined) to 61% of the country.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wgn
plus the game is on wgn today as well according to cubs.com.....
You gotta believe!!!

by bolson1076 on Sep 29, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thanks for the WGN info
the LA Times sports section shows the Cubs game being broadcast by Fox at 1230pm (local time) and also at 4pm on WGN.  Obviously, they forgot to change the time on the WGN feed.

My guess is they will change LA/Fox feed to a "meaningful game."  I am thrilled to have WGN for the game today.  No Bartman crap to put up with.  

Time to exhale.  

Oh, great recap Al!  I don't know if we say it enough, but you do a GREAT JOB in running this site.  Your passion is terrific!!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 29, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you!
It's things like this that we all wait for so patiently for so many years; of course, we want the club to build to contend every year. But right now, the focus is on WINNING NOW.

Eleven more wins in the next four and a half weeks.

Let's WIN this thing!!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great Recap, Love the bear picture
i feel like that bear in that picture today, but is great to wake up and see that we will be playing next week!

by mossey12 on Sep 29, 2007 8:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Did anyone notice...
During one of the postgame celebration interviews with the players in the clubhouse, I noticed that the big screen TV behind them was on ESPN.  And sitting behind the desk on TV was one Dusty Baker.  

Let's just say, he's the last one I expected to see at the party :)

by southernilcubfan on Sep 29, 2007 8:52 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Look at that another way
...that's the ONLY way he would have been at another celebration. Rather than being there as a leader, he was just a flickering electronic image on a screen...being ignored.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Sep 29, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's kinda poetic irony if you look at it
"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Sep 29, 2007 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al
Can you put the magic number back?
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.

by CyberCyclist on Sep 29, 2007 8:53 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Never mind,
the bear wasn't showing up before, just an image placeholder.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.

by CyberCyclist on Sep 29, 2007 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Party
like it's 1908!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by jimhickman on Sep 29, 2007 9:09 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lol!
fly your W flag Cubs fans!

by love the ivy on Sep 29, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I Love This Team
I had so much fun watching their celebration in the club house !!!  The interviews were great and I believe everyone mentioned how great the fans were - what a great bunch of guys.  They really had to battle their demons after that sweep by the fish and that they did !!!

I tip my hat to the Brewers and their fans.  I wish it were the Cards or the Astros that we won over rather than the Brewers.  They have a good team and a great bunch of fans.

Let's move on to the POST-season!!!

by coral on Sep 29, 2007 9:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Congratulations to all!
Congrats all around to the Cubbies, Lou, all the assistant coaches and the staff.  Also, way to go Al and the rest of the Cubbie Blue bloggers (except maybe one or two) for hanging in there with the team all season and seeing this comeback through.

I remember back in May trying to decide whether to renew MLB.TV for June (I live in Virginia and WGN is my only other source) and I decided yes, I wanted to be there when it turned around. And for once, the turnaround happened.

I now formally apologize to JJ and Larry Rothschild.  You guys came through in the second half of the season. (although with Larry I think that Lou helped a lot.. especially with Woody).

Go Cubbies in the playoffs ( "The Riot", Z, Fonz, ARAM, DLee, Orange guy, "the Big Stick" Ward, Carlos M, Rich, "The Stopper" Ted Lilly, and especially Mr. Everything - Mark De) and go Cubbie Blue'ers!  Let's win the whole thing this year!

I want my Macias!

by wombat on Sep 29, 2007 9:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Today's Hangover
I read on MLB.com that the Cubs had 30 cases of champaign on ice in the clubhouse after the game.
It'll be fun today to see which Cubbies play in today's game, and who looks like they have the biggest hangovers. Good thing they'll have several days to sober up and get ready to kick butts in the first round.
Go Cubs!
"Everything that rises must converge"

by jpalaska on Sep 29, 2007 9:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A few things
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but in 2003, the game that the Cubs clinched... final out, a 6-4-3 DP. Same thing in this game.

Anyhow... as for the Great American Ballpark, as I said when I was there last year, its really vanilla, especially considering the really solid location. Its right next to the river and the ballpark could have been worked into the environment. Unless you're on the outfield deck near the river, you'd never really know. They could have done a great job using the river to set the tone, a la AT&T or PNC Parks, but they didn't. Further, Al, you'll notice that the stainless steel mesh grids that surround the ballpark are corroded, a bit rusty and in bad shape... surprising for a newer ballpark.

Line-up note. Lilly will start tomorrow and will go 2-3 innings. I'm hoping the same for Hill today.

DmL

by dmlichte on Sep 29, 2007 9:25 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Where do I go to get
my Cubbie champs hat and other attire?
MMMMM...Fernandos fajitas and margaritas

by Kinky Reggae on Sep 29, 2007 9:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

We got our at a stand outside Wrigley last night
but you can get them from the mlb.com store too.

by lapetino on Sep 29, 2007 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shameless promotion!
If you decide to go through Wrigleyville Sports, please use the link on the left sidebar. I get a cut of every sale from that link -- helps to defray the costs of running this site.

Thanks!

(I'll probably buy one from them myself, when I get back to town.)

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay Al
I got a Cubs Division Champs Christmas tree ornament and a window sticker from Wrigleysports and used your link. Thanks for your blog!

by teacher tom on Sep 29, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wish I'd known that before
I'll by the rest of my post-season wear from there, Al.  I got my NLCD stuff from MLB.com last night.

by drewishdrewid on Sep 29, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would they deliver to Australia?
I want some of the NL Champs stuff too
"Drink,Drugs and shagging models...the rest I wasted." George Best on where his millions went

by Aussie Cub on Sep 29, 2007 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great Recap
I was planning on being in Cincy anyway for a wedding, attending the game "if" neccesarry on Sunday...

Last minute change... I gathered my wife and headied to cicny early...

What a game...  I have never been to an away game with so many cubs fans..

The entire Bleachers (where we sat..not a bad ticket for $10) were cubs fans!

This is a game I'll never forget!

Great recap Al!

by WaitTilNever on Sep 29, 2007 9:46 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

After Webb theres not much in Arizona
Owens is a good hitter and a average pitcher, livan is also average, and i dont think their young hitters are gonna perform in postseason, i smell sweep in first round, go cubs go!!!

by Alfonso on Sep 29, 2007 9:47 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Interesting about the D-Backs...
...they don't really appear to have much on the surface, do they?  They have a nice combination of young and old talent, however, and their pitching staff is good, too.  Should make for an interesting series.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 29, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't know about a sweep
these Baby Backs are a resilient bunch as well. They may lose 3-4 in a row, then rip off a streak of wins. It will be a good series and I hope to be there on Weds nite!
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 29, 2007 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was great listening to Dave Kaplan wax poetic
on WGN 720 in one ear and watching the Cubs celebrate on TV. On to Arizona or wherever! Win it all for my 75 year old dad!!

by teacher tom on Sep 29, 2007 9:56 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank you AL
I have enjoyed this, vicariously, through YOU!

How FANTASTIC!

It is OCTOBER, and we're STILL PLAYING BASEBALL!!

by TheEman on Sep 29, 2007 10:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Isn't it, though?
What an incredible ride this year has been -- and we've only just begun the REAL excitement!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes thank you Al ....
you have helped make this experience even better (if that's possible)  :)

by Basman on Sep 29, 2007 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My Cubs' fandom...
...has grown exponentially since I found this site.  Being a few states away from Chicago, it is hard to get proper updates, news, and find fans at local bars.  I feel so blessed to have found BCB and feel so welcomed!  Thanks, Al and ALL!

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 29, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

IT WAS AN AWESOME SUMMER!!!!
And it was great coming on this board and for the roller coaster ride!

Now... let's not stop there!!!!!!!!

1-RUN GAMES = 23-22 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-8 | HOME = 41-37 | updated on 9/20

by SackMan on Sep 29, 2007 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

A great ride!
How's this for Cub optimism: After they looked so bad in Miami, I thought that Friday might just do it - and it did!

Isn't it great to not have to care about facing Aaron Harang today? They'll be time to look ahead later. Just sit back and admire a fun, and adventurous, season.

Drifting ... drifting ... foul.

by mlf on Sep 29, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And now I can just focus on the Bears on Sunday!
And not worry about the Cubs!

BTW... we've only given up 682 runs this year... 3rd best in the entire major leagues (San Diego 642, Boston 650)

1-RUN GAMES = 23-22 | EXTRA INNINGS = 2-8 | HOME = 44-37 | updated on 9/29

by SackMan on Sep 29, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Al
for a happy recap! The one we have been waiting for since Spring Training. If the fates look down upon us and grant us the ultimate reward for the season, I can't wait to sit with you in LF next March and recap our victorious post season!!!
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 29, 2007 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Amazing last night
We were here in Chicago, watching the game, then flipping between the CSN postgame coverage and the Brewers game. Once the champagne was sprayed (especially on Gayle Fischer--yikes!), my wife and I headed down to Wrigley. It was great! Tons of fans were there, everyone taking pictures of the marquee, and we picked up our Division Champs hats and shirts, then wandered around amidst the chaos.

The crowd was standing in the middle of the street for a while, cheering and celebrating, until the CPD mounted police moved everyone back onto the sidewalks. It was so exhilarating to be there--I lived in Champaign in 2003 when the Cubs last clinched. So, this felt like the perfect place to be, in the perfect moment. After an intense and thrilling year here in Chicago, clinching was all I hoped it would be. :)

Now, let's see some more wins come next week!!!!

by lapetino on Sep 29, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Somebody Slap me Silly
Are we really in the playoffs??? :D

by JFCubFan on Sep 29, 2007 10:17 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

*slap upside the face*
YUP!!!!
There is no place like Nebraska - Go Huskers!

by sanantonecub on Sep 29, 2007 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks
I needed that ! ! !

by JFCubFan on Sep 29, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didnt get to see much except highlights
late last night after being out for my wife's going away party for work ....but it was so sweet to see the results & reading some of the game thread was awesome to feel all the happiness.  i have to say I LOVE THIS TEAM.  I remember watching them play the Nats in July at RFK & telling my wife that I thought this was a special team.  I also told how awesome it will be to see all the Cubs fans getting behind their team in the playoffs ...I cannot wait.  Congrats Cubbies & thank you for a special season so far, now finish what you started.

by Basman on Sep 29, 2007 10:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Now, I start to dream...
Getting waaaaayyy ahead of myself here, having these visions of a Cubs-Boston World Series, with the Cubs winning it in extra innings in the seventh game.

(What can I say, got a good friend who's a native Bostonian, and a decent client from there as well...)

by MN exile on Sep 29, 2007 10:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

CONGRATULATION CUBS!
Great finish to the 2007 season!

One quibble: why start Zambrano in Game 1?  We all know how he reacts under pressure (see last 3 opening day starts).  Let Lily or Marquis take the Hill and start Z in game 2.

"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Sep 29, 2007 10:26 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Interesting idea...
...but I don't think we pay a man $92,000,000 to be #2.  His September numbers have been pretty damn good, too!

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Sep 29, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Zambrano
No, we pay Z $92 million to WIN.  This will be the biggest start of his career and I prefer to have him pitch Game 2 where the pressure will be less (especially if we win Game 1).  Someone criticized me earlier in the season when I suggested playing Izzy cause we pay him the Big Bucks.  The reply was we should put the best team on the field no matter the cost.  Just because we pay Z the Big Bucks doesn't mean he is the best pitcher for Game 1.  If he fails miserably, there will be a lot of 2nd guessing.
"Hey-Hey! Home Run! Attaboy Ronnie!" ~ Jack Brickhouse

by ronsanto10 on Sep 29, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Z's last five starts:
4-1, 32.1 IP, 22 hits allowed, 2 HR allowed, 14 walks, 22 strikeouts, 1.67 ERA.

Not a moment too soon. Keep it up in October, Z!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Al: thanks for the Z-stats.
I am happy to say that after the Zambrano melt-down against the Dodgers, I consistently supported Z and thought he would suck it up and get his head on straight.

I think it took some tough love from Lou and Hendry, but whatever it was, in the end Z is a man who wants to win.  I continue to think the fortunes of the Cubs are 100% correlated to how Z pitches.  

If Z can stay solid, this team can make a lot of noise in October.  Unlike the 2003 team, that I always felt had weaknesses (due to my dislike of Dusty), I think there is something special here.  I am fully, emotionally invested in Cubs version 2007.  Let's go!!

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Sep 29, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tickets to Trade
Earlier this week, I thought there was a diary or sidebar where you could trade tickets.
Could someone tell me where to find it?
I have 2 extras for the 2nd home game and would like to trade for 2 tickets to the first home game. The seats I have are in Section 202 in the left field corner.
Thanks for any help.

by ceegeewow on Sep 29, 2007 10:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

All of the ticket exchange links...
... are here.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How sweet it is...
NL Central Champs. Sounds damn good to me. Al has remarkably captured how I look and feel right about now with the sidebar cartoon. Now I have an excuse to skip the inevitably horrible FOX baseball coverage. Going to savor this one for a while. GO CUBS!
Your results may vary. reverendriggs.blogspot.com

by riggs on Sep 29, 2007 10:41 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Root for the Madres!
I want '84 revenge.  Root for the Madres so we can stomp them out in the playoffs!

What a year!

by Kornchex on Sep 29, 2007 10:43 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's still sinking in for me.
But thanks Al and all the regular posters here for bringing the community to me here in MI. It'd be difficult being a fan that left Chicago 10 years ago without BCB.

Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.

"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young

by Kegler on Sep 29, 2007 10:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It's tough living
out of market. I watched the Cubs game on my laptop at home, then headed out to meet some friends at the neighborhood Irish pup. I made them get the Brewers game on and as the outs counted down in the ninth, I was getting excited. When the game finally ended, I had the bartender switch over to WGN but he wouldn't turn the sound up.

As I am certain any other Cub fan would do, I jumped in my vehicle and sped home to watch the revelry (with sound). And abandoned my friends. I'm not too worried about that, none of these people are huge Cub fans.

Congratulations 2007 Cubs...what a fun season it has been to watch - so entertaining. Here's to 11 more victories!!!

by montanacubby on Sep 29, 2007 10:49 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree
but thankfully here in the Phoenix area, it's like Chicago West. No Sox fans to speak of, thousands of Cub fans since a third of the population (it seems) is from the Midwest. The bars here get into Cubs Fever as well, so I will feel at home. Go Cubs!
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 29, 2007 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Congrats and thanks all around!!!
Have to be a little redundant here and echo a few points that many have already said:
  1. First, a HUGE THANK YOU to Al for all the work you put into this site. You've made every defeat more tolerable and every victory much sweeter. Hope we get to meet Sunday 10/7 when I'm in the bleachers!! Cheers buddy.
  2. Though a lifetime Cubbies fan, this was the first season I found this community. Though more a reader than contributor, I have learned a ton from you all.   THANK YOU for intelligent, funny, insightful commentary all season long. You guys rule (yeah, even the Murton/Jock/Demp haters).
  3. We got a special team here, guys. Did you see Jock with the green goggles in the clubhouse?? Hell yeah!! Bring on the D-Bags!!

by mrsmiff on Sep 29, 2007 10:58 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Stop on by!
I'll be in my usual spot in the LF corner.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Sep 29, 2007 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wallpaper
Any idea where I can get some Cub wallpaper for my computer that is tied to winning the division?  I can't find a real good picture to put on my computer in the office.  DIE CARDINAL FANS!
A Cub fan in Cardinal territory.

by FSArkCubsFan on Sep 29, 2007 10:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

San Diego Cubs Bar
Id like to watch some of the playoff games with other Cubs fans in San Diego.  Does anybody know of a sports bar out here where Cubs fans congregate?

by Clark Addison on Sep 29, 2007 11:02 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

O`Grady's in Kensignton
(Or North Park?)  Either way, it's a pretty cool Cubs bar on Adams Avenue between the 805 and the 15.

by Kornchex on Sep 29, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm still
trying to take it all in. I got up this morning and watched all two hours of Sports Rise. That means I watched the same half hour show four times and loved every minute of it.

Just seeing how happy our players and coaches were just makes me cry. I'm glad I never gave up on this team. I'm very proud of them.

Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Sep 29, 2007 11:03 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Where's Bluemike?

 A lot of people point to Lou's tirade. I point to Al kicking Bluemike off the board.  Our record's been incredible. and the board's been more fun too.

  Hopefully Bluemike found Dallas Green's cousin or something and is living happily ever after.

 

"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns

by yahoodi on Sep 29, 2007 11:22 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Blue Mike
I actually miss him. Wasn't he Mike63 before he was Blue Mike? I know he was argumentative, but it amused me.
"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Sep 29, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

BlueMike
is still probably trying to figure out how the Cubs won without Izturis at SS.

by rlpete on Sep 29, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today is my Birthday
and I couldn't ask for a better gift.  I am giddy with joy.  Beautiful day in Chicago!  

by mgfabc on Sep 29, 2007 11:30 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

plz .........
someone slap me in the face and pinch me hard enough to break skin. i'm still a little drunk from last night and thought i remebered something about some team from the northside if chicago making the um(whats the word?) oh yeah playoffs. tell me it isnt so. tell me it is. hell forget it i'll just keep drinking and celebrating. wooooooooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooo. NOW CAN I USE MY WORD AL YELLON????? HERE WE COME CUBTOBER!! thats right cubtoberrrrrrrrrrr.
Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Sep 29, 2007 11:35 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Lilly
Tribune said that Lilly will start on Sunday as scheduled, but he'll only go two innings.  They didn't want him to go ten days without pitching.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070928cubsbits,1,3294352.story?coll= cs-home-headlines

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Sep 29, 2007 11:46 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'M THIIIIINKING OF A NUMBER....
11!!!!!   11 MORE WINS AND WE ARE *REALLY* CELEBRATING!!!!
- CF

by nervousCUBlover on Sep 29, 2007 11:47 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What a great feeling!
I love this team, and I hope this is the one that takes us all the way. I was a 10 year old kid when the Cubs broke my heart in '69 but I know that our day is coming.....and maybe very soon!

Al...thanks for all the great work you put into this site and to all the other posters too. As a displaced Chicagoan I can't begin to tell you what it's meant over the course of the year to come to this site and feel a part of a community of Diehard Cub Fans like myself.

Here's to the October we all dream about!

by cubrandy on Sep 29, 2007 11:48 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I am still a little stunned...
Al- great post...

Wrigleyville was quite a site last night!

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Sep 29, 2007 12:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The best is yet to come
It's been a long, often trying season. But the hardest part of it is over. Against some daunting odds and history, the Cubs went from last place in the division -- no, last place in the league -- to first place in the NL Central. Believe it or not, the first NL team to wrap up a division title.

I think we have seen this team is nothing if not resilient. Just when you think they're done for, they rise like Lazarus from the dead. That's a great quality, and one that most likely will come in handy the next few weeks.

No more angst. No more ledge-jumping. No more woe is me.

They did it. Anything from here on is gravy. Enjoy the ride. May it not end until the last week of October.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Sep 29, 2007 12:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Amen Brother
n/t
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Sep 29, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll drink to that.
Shawn Johnson, Des Moines, IA, worlds greatest gymnast. 2007 All Around World Champ. GO SHAWN!!!!

by sue369 on Sep 29, 2007 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's amazing.
Just seeing how far this club has come this year, and now we're in the playoffs.  And with as erratic as all the other teams have been heading in to the postseason...maybe this could be it after all.

Man, it feels good to hope again.

Before each game, please remember to feed the bats.

by Cool Hand on Sep 29, 2007 3:02 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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